THOUGH science inclined while growing up, Morenikeji Agoro, the brain behind Ahdookeh Couture, Surulere, Lagos, later diverted to creative arts as a way to live her passion.
The University of Lagos-trained zoologist had a stint with International Merchant Bank from where she developed interest in the thread and needle business.
To hone her skill, she enrolled for a short course in London School of Fashion and with Bukky Martins Training School, Lagos.
On why she left her banking job for fashion business, Agoro says. “I realised that I was not an office person and wanted something more adventurous, so, I went into buying and selling of fabrics, shoes, bags and others before setting up my fashion house.”
With over 10 years in business, Agoro has gone for so many exhibitions and fashion shows, including the African Fashion Week.
“I am getting ready for the Swiss Fashion Night, which holds later in the year. I am planning to open up more outlets both at home and abroad as part of the ways to showcase my designs,” she reveals.
On where she gets her inspiration?
She laughs: “It comes from people’s outfits, colours, magazines, fashion videos, ideas; anything around me.”
Commenting on what makes her outfits unique, the designer intones, “the way we embellish our wears, pay attention to details, our creativity, as well as good customer service makes us different from others.”
With client across different strata of the economy and even those ordering via the Internet, the Creative Head of Ahdookeh Couture reveals, “I love working with varieties of colour and I use ankara, chiffon, lace and other fabrics for my outfits.”
She continues, “the first thing I consider before making any cloth for my client is the shape, skin tone and height and personality.”
Speaking on her business name, she informs, “Ahdookeh is coined out of my local name Aduke; I only try to merge the creative side of me with the business angle to make a balance.”
The CEO of Ahdookeh, who sources her fabrics from China, Switzerland, India, Cameroun, Ghana and other countries, highlighting the problems of the industry, says, “lack of commitment from staff who need to share in your vision, lack of adequate power supply and the dwindling purchasing power of the people are the major challenges facing the industry.”
Advising up upcoming designers, she notes: “Love the job, be dogged and creative, if you must distinguish yourself in the business.”
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